Double-League Cup winner Steve Staunton has warned the class of 2013 not to freeze like the weather in tonight’s Capital One Cup chiller at the Villa.

Staunton, who won the Coca-Cola Cup and Worthington Cup with the claret and blues in 1994 and 1996, is backing Paul Lambert’s team to make it to Wembley.

But the left-footed former favourite admits Villa must keep their composure and do a professional job to overturn their plucky League Two opponents.

“They are one step away from Wembley and they should be relishing this opportunity,” said Staunton.

“It should not be a fear factor at all and the players shouldn’t freeze on an occasion like this.

“Whatever cup competition I played in, I took it very seriously and so did the team.

“There was no backing out or a lack of interest in it, we wanted to win.

Aston Villa's League Cup winning side at Wembley in 1994, with Dean Saunders, left

“You can’t knock the confidence Bradford have got for winning that game, and the desire and quality they showed.

“Teams are taking this competition seriously. They want to win it, it’s a passage to Europe and it’s a trophy to your name.”

Staunton has fond recollections of being part of the team which won the League Cup under Ron Atkinson in 1994 and repeated the feat with Brian Little in 1996.

“The cup wins of 1994 and 1996 certainly stuck in my memory,” he said. “To go to Wembley and win a major competition and leave with a trophy is the ultimate dream.

“I can tell you from experience that there is no greater feeling.

“Hopefully the class of 2013 can experience that for themselves.”

Staunton reckons home advantage could have a crucial bearing in tonight’s second leg, particularly if the Villa Park faithful can generate a partisan atmosphere.

“The home tie was always going to be the important game for me,” he said. “Bradford had their fans behind them in the first leg and they had nothing to lose.

“Villa should have too much quality and they will be well up for it at a packed-out Villa Park. The fans will really get behind them and that will drive them on.”

Ron Vlaar returned for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at West Brom and Staunton hopes the captain’s comeback will boost Villa’s creaking defence this evening.

“It’s not rocket science – they have missed their experienced defenders,” he added. “Ron Vlaar was brought in and made the captain and looked to be slowly getting to grips with life in England so to have him back is massive.”